The Bhopal Municipal Corporation was recently fined Rs. 1 crore by the National Green Tribunal for illegal construction on Bhopal Lake, underlining the growing role of NGT in holding cities accountable for environmental violations. While NGT's reach has extended beyond major metros, smaller towns are also under scrutiny. With citizen involvement proving crucial, are environmental concerns in smaller cities now being addressed effectively?

With app-based ride-hailing services facing challenges from both driver unions and local competitors, a new wave of mobility solutions are emerging in smaller cities like Guwahati. From homegrown apps to state-backed initiatives, the landscape is shifting rapidly. How will this disrupt the duopoly of giants like Ola and Uber? Can local players truly compete in the long run, or will they be swallowed by bigger forces?

Kochi is grappling with toxic fumes from a fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant, worsening the city’s air quality. While this incident highlights the risks of poorly managed landfills, it’s far from an isolated case. Cities across India are dealing with similar fires. As waste management struggles, could innovative solutions like zero-landfill models and advanced technologies provide a way forward?

Delhi’s 13th Pride Parade brought thousands together in a march for inclusion and a celebration of diversity. Yet beyond the colourful marches, how inclusive are Indian cities in practice? From Chennai’s pioneering steps to Kerala’s progressive policies, the push for LGBTQIA+ inclusion is gaining ground. As new indices shed light on workplace equality and urban inclusivity, are cities keeping pace with evolving societal expectations?

Thane’s recent tree census revealed more than 60% increase in tree numbers and greater diversity in species. While some states have legislated tree censuses, in places like Delhi and Surat, citizens have taken matters into their own hands. This not only tracks tree cover but also help protect heritage and rare species, engaging communities in the process. Could this grassroots approach help cities rethink their relationship with nature?

With India’s small cities now making the list of most polluted places, solutions can’t just focus on the usual suspects. Indore’s plan to power city buses with Bio-CNG from organic waste could set a new standard—if waste segregation doesn’t derail it. As more cities consider similar approaches, can clean fuel truly become the future of urban transport, or will practical hurdles keep it from taking off?

Despite being the backbone of daily commutes, buses in Indian cities often run half-empty. Yet, Bhubaneswar’s Mo Bus service is defying the trend by seamlessly bringing together tech and accessibility to attract riders. As cities like Delhi and Surat look for ways to boost ridership, could Mo Bus hold the secret to getting more people on board? Or is the key to better urban mobility something more?

Towering landfills like Ghazipur are more than just urban eyesores; they’re a looming health threat! As cities struggle with legacy waste, some are turning to bio-mining to reclaim land and reduce pollution. Chandigarh’s Dadumajra dumpsite is one such effort, aiming to transform waste into reusable resources. With SBM 2.0 pushing smaller cities to act, could bio-mining be the solution to India’s waste mountain crisis?

From ward committees to WhatsApp polls, citizen voices now shape how cities move. But what stands between symbolic seats at the table and real decision-making power? Mapping the shift from passive input to active collaboration – online, offline, and in-between – there are lessons that cities can’t afford to ignore.

What exactly is Fare Free Public Transport, and can it really solve India’s urban mobility challenges? While some have embraced free rides, especially to ease travel for women, the pandemic’s impact on transit finances raises tough questions. Can such policies thrive amid budget crises and changing travel habits? This complex idea holds promise but also presents surprising trade-offs ahead.

Public transport in smaller Indian cities was already struggling before COVID-19. But what did the pandemic do to these travel patterns? It sparked shifts in how people move, revealing new trends in private vehicle use and non-motorised transport. These changes carry both opportunities and challenges, especially outside major metros.

A closer look at over 50 studies reveals what’s missing in India’s mobility conversations: small cities. From outdated data to metro-centric research, the gaps are clear. But within these blind spots lie crucial opportunities. Could rethinking where knowledge comes from reshape how we plan transport in urban India?

Indian cities are making waves in global rankings, but the results can be puzzling. While Hyderabad and Bengaluru top growth charts, they lag in innovation and quality of life. With numerous indices measuring everything from economic potential to mobility, Indian cities often find themselves on different ends of the spectrum. But do these rankings really reflect urban realities, or is there more to the story?

2018 was a year where cities in India took center stage: politically, economically, and socially. From rising citizen participation to international partnerships, urban life saw transformative change. With rankings, policies, and citizen-led initiatives making waves, cities found their voices louder than ever. As cities continue to evolve, how ready are they to meet the challenges of tomorrow in and inclusive and sustainable manner?

Public toilets in India are more than just a convenience; they are essential for public health, dignity, and urban mobility. Yet, poor maintenance and user perceptions continue to hinder their effectiveness. As cities expand and innovate, can better upkeep, creative partnerships, and smarter designs finally change how we think about public sanitation? The answer might just reshape the way we view these essential urban spaces.